asksnanswers

Alexa is working toward a vegetarian diet, and is loaded with questions. Jennifer’s got answers. We talk about anything as long as it is vegan. Are tattoos vegan? How do I politely not eat Thanksgiving dinner? How do I order without pissing off the waitress? We know you are dying to ask!

asksalexaIs it true there is no vegan source of vitamin D?

Of coarse there is a vegan source of vitamin D, it’s called the sun.

Oh you wanted a better answer. Okay, well if you are deficient in vitamin D and need to take supplements, there are vegan source pills you can take for vitamin D. 

Done, and done.

Oh still need more? Understandable.

See, we need vitamin D to help absorb calcium in bones. Also being deficient in vitamin D is linked to many diseases such as cancer, autism, weight gain, depression, and heart disease. The problem is that many doctors argue what levels of vitamin D we need to stay healthy.

It is also worth noting that many meat eating, milk guzzling Americans have low vitamin D levels. The reason? We are all cooped up inside with conventional 9 to 5 jobs. The easiest way to stay healthy is get 10 to 20 minutes of sun everyday. 

That’s it.

How can you do this? Start biking or walking to work. Park at the far end of the parking lot. If you work a 9 to 5 office job, take small 2 minute breaks outside when you stretch your legs. Try some simple activities outside, like reading outside, gardening, raking leaves, walking the dog, etc. 

It is a struggle since we are often told to wear sunscreen to avoid skin cancer. And you should keep that in mind if you are going to be outside for an hour or longer, or in direct sunlight. If you are traveling to a brighter area like places near the equator or a dessert, lather up! Cancer or not, your skin might not be use to it and you might burn.

Yes you can take supplements but keep in mind there is a free alternative. Plus you could use some fresh air.